Apparatus for the conversion and transformation of liquids, fluids, and oils



July 3, 1923. J. H. ADAMS SION AND TRANSFORMAT;ON OF LIQUIDS AND OILSFLUIDS APPARATUS FOR THE CONVER Filed Dec. 5, 1917" 3 Sheets-Sheet 1ATTORNEYS Juiy 3, 1923. MLGLON J. H. ADAMS APPARATUS FOR THE CONVERSIONAND TRANSFORMATION OF LIQUIDS, FLUIDS, AND OILS Fil ed Dec. 5 1917 3Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNE'YS July 3; 923.

- J H. ADAMS APPARATUS FOR THELCDNVERSION AND TRANSFORMATION OF LIQUIDS,FLUIDS, AND OILS Filed Dec. 5, 1917 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVEN TOR AMWITNESSES t ATTORNEYS closed and claimed in infiy i gas oil and otherinexpensive hydro-carbons as well as coal tar oils, into 1i hteroils,,such

arana cranes.-

JOSEPH H. ADAMS, or rtareusn, new rear, ASSiGNOR are THE rams conmmr, js or nousron, TEXAS, a'conroaa'rrom'or '.1EXAS. v

arraaarus roa 'rnn eonvnasron AND TRANSFORMATION 0ILS.

or traumas, returns, arm

' Application filed December 5, 1917. Serial Ito. 205,52

T 0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOSEPH H. AnAMs,a

citizen of the United States, residin at Flatbush, in the county ofKingsa-nd tate .of New York, have invented a new and useful Apparatusfor the Conversion and Trans-' uids, Fluids, and Oils, and

formatlon of Li of which the fol owing is a specification./ I ThlSinvention relates to an apparatus for converting fluids, such asoils,'-into products of dissimilar character in the manner disco-pendingapplication Ser. No. 618,911, led March 30, 1911, of which thisapplication is a continuation in part, relatin to process as disclosedin my former appllcation Ser. No. 535,879,, filed December 31, 1909,which applications have matured into Patent January 6, 1920.- One objectof this invention is toprovide a relatively simple and inexpensive meansfor exterfially applying oil cracking heats under ea'sycontrol to oilcontained in-t ubes and chambers while held under super-atmosphericvapor pressures for the purpose of altering their physical andchemical characteristics to apredetermined extent.

Another object'within the contemplation of this'in'ventionis to devisean apparatus which will notonly facilitate the. conversion ofheavy oils,such'askerosene distillates,

as gasolenes,,naphthas, benzo and the "like,

- but will also do so under conditions eliminating the possibility ofundesirable interruptions in the continuous process of oiltransformation.

scription.

, This invention seeksto provide an apparatus particularly adapted forcracking oils according to my process referred to which, from anoperative standpoint,'w1ll, 1n practical usage, possess a high degree ofefiiciency and durabilit and which, structural-ly considered, wil be ofthe greatest Other objects" and advantages will be in part obvious'fromthe annexed drawings and in part pointed out in thejfollowing' de- Theinvention accordingly consists in the features of construction,combination of elements and arrangement of parts which will beexemplified in the construction herein- .this disclosure,

No. 1,327,263, issued- 'larged, scale of the converter after set forthand the see c of the a lication of which p pp in claims.

will be indicated the follow- 11 order that this invention -may be the.made compre part of this disclosure, and while certain I modificationsin the controlling features of this invention will be readily-deduciblefrom such modifications are to" be understood as embodied within theintended 1 3 scope of my appended claims.

In the drawings corresponding parts are similarly referred to bylike-characters of reference throughout'the several views of which:

Fig. 1 is an assembly in elevation show ing the se paratus as organizedfor commercially carrylng out my process.

veral -co-related parts of my ap- F 1g. 2 1s a-sectional elevation on anenshowing the craeklng tube, the high temperature furnag: and thedisplacement core within the tn k Fig. 3 is a part sectional elevationof the converter having 'a larger-liquidand vapor separating dome and amodified unconverted g5, Fig; 1s a horizontal'section taken through oiloverflow yste line Z--Z of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a sectional elevation of a multiat the lower ends of the tubesand a 'common liizluid and vapor separating dome at the top an tubularconverter having 'a common-header f. A

g- S-a modified form of appara V to a liquid'and vapor separating dome.

This nventlon,

describing the various features thereof in as. a source of oil.

being of a comparativelysimple nature, may be well understood by,

of course, be, understood that this tus, as in Fig. 5, with a-commonheader atv 'the topvof a multi-tubular converter leading as ice 1, A,represents a' g maintained over the surface of at the same serve the hei6, to properly so that the heat ly vaporizing the oil, and

heater H, is provided in which the 5 part of dome o converter B, so thatthe flow of oil *ption of this invention,

In this embodiment, the containing vessel 1, of the supply apparatus A,may be somewhat elevated with respect to the adjacent converter B, sothat the gravitating tendency 6 of the oil may augment its flow into theconverter B, under the influence of the more or less weight of oil inthe tank and the pressure which may be maintained over itnotwithstanding the compression which may be the oil in the converter.

The fluid oil may be admitted into the containing vessel or tank 1, bymeans of a suitable supply pipe indicatedby 2, while time the displacedair ma escape through pipe 3, from the top 0 the tank, or pipe 3, may beconnected to a suitable air compressor so that a premure in excess ofatmospheric may be maintained over 20 the surface of 011 containedtherein to further augment the flow of oil from the tank to theconverter B.

Such supply tank maybe provided with a suitable sight glass gauge 20, inorder to obht of oil therein and a dis: charge pipe t, controlled byvalve 5, through which oil may flow to the converter. The pipeconnecting tank 1, with oil preheater is provided with several precisionvalves of oil through the heaterH, to the converter B, as shown.

For obvious reasons it is best to heat the oil before it is admitted tothe converter B,

from the furnace of the converter may 'be conserved for the moreimportant function of cracking, splitting the molecules of orrearranging them, and rapidtherefore'the oil oil may be brought to anydesired temperature within the container 7 and tubes 8, by applied heat.the waste heat from the converter furnace 31, the overflow hot oil fromthe lower 10 or by any other economical mean-s of heating.

The oil heater H, and precision valves 6, are placed in the pi ingsystem between the source of supply 0 oil in tank 1, and the may becontrolled and heated before entering the converter B.

The figures of the drawingsshow several of the many diverse forms whichthe converter may assume within the contemplaand the converter shown inFig. 1, comprlses a chamber 9, of heat enduring materlal and anoverlying covered containin vessel of liquid and vapor separating ome10, closed at the top, by means of cap 11. The supply pipes 4 and 12,lead the oil to pipes 13 and 15, governed by valves 14 and 16, througheither one of which oil isadmitted to the chamber 9, or lower part ofdome W.

column 18,

"susceptible of an intelli dome 10, is secured to the heat and preciselygovern the flow made up as tightly These sections, that is the chamber 9and dome 10, may be connected with the gauge on which glass sight gauges19, are arranged so that the condition and disposition 'fthe contents ofthe converter may always be the more readily apparent and be ntvariation by operating the precision va ves 6, for regulatin the flow oforiginal oil through ipe 4 and preheater H, into the converter Theliquid and vapor dome 10, may also be provided with a glass gauge 21,for comparative observation. At the lower part of the converter B, andconnected to the cracking tube or chamber 9, a heavy bottoms and residuechamber 30, is arranged to collect the precipitated carbon and foreignsubcarbon and other sediment which may accumulate therein.

The closed containing vessel or vapor enduring or cracking chamber 9, bymeans of a suitable interposed flange member 25, which is securelybolted to each of these respective sections. Inasmuch as the vaporsrising into and filling the upper part of the vapor dome 10, may, at anytimebe so rapidly evolved as to exert an undue pressure in excess of thepredetermined super-atmospheric vapor pressure under which the apparatusis working, I have arranged an expansion tank 26, on one side of thedome 10, and a release pop valve 27, in the vapor line 40, directly overcondenser D, so that any sudden pressure above a given number of poundsper square inchwill cause the spring check in the seat of the valve 27,to rise and release the excessive pressure.

It is to be understood that the fittings are as possible and, therefore,I have used between the several flanges, caps and plate gaskets-ofasbestos and other heat resisting and indestructible materials, so thatthe pomibility of leakage may be ob viated so far as it will benecessary from a practical standpoint. v

A feature of primary importanceis the means for externally applying heatof intense or cracking temperatures to. the oil while contained in theheat enduring chamber 9, while the oil is held under superatmosphericvapor pressures,for the purpose of bringing about a conversion of suchoi Preferably this feature is operated by gas and 1 air blast or fueloil under pressure atomized by steam or compressed air and comprises oneor more jets 28, supplied through pipe 29, through which a proper are -residue includin .ma-y be varied to shapes and designs in which retortscan be compressed air is forced and ignited to form the necessa elements.of combustion.

The nozz es of these jets are projected through openings or ports intothe furnace 31, composed of fire brick or other refractory material heldtogether within a strong and suitable metallic shell 32, as more clearlyshown in Figs. 2, 3and 4, and provided with an exhaust pipe or stack 33,which may lead the heat and spent gases of combustion to and through thepreheater H, then out through pipe 34;. The furnace 31 surrounds theconverter intermediate its ends, thus insuring that the lower end orbottoms chamber shall be maintained rela tively cool for the receptionof the heavy the gravitated carbon.- This furnace 15 designed toconserve the greater part of the intense heat from the several fuel jets28, for the purpose of mainv taining the walls of theheat endurinchamher 9, at a high temperature of suflicient va riable intensity whileoil is contained with-' in the chamber in accordance with the vary ingcharacteristics of the oils which may be treated by and according to myprocess referred to.

In the form shown this furnace 31, with its intake pipes 35 and36, andoutlet or exhaust 'pipe 33, is made up in cylindrical form to enclosethegreater part of the cylindrical heat enduring chamber 9, intermediateits ends and, while this precise form conform to-the different madecommercially available for this purose, the form shown in Figs. 1, 2 and3, will e found very suitable for converting many clzlisses of petroleumand other hydro-carbon 01 s. This furnace 31, and heat enduring ,chamher9, are especially adapted for the economical use of a mixture of gas andair or fuel oil and air under pressure as an intense heating fuel. andwhile this'unit B, is but one form of converter a number-of such unitsin series would possess commercial ad vantages. The gas and air beingbrought in separately through pipes 35 and 36, be-- come mixed withinthe pipe 29, leading-to the jets 28.

When this combustible mixture is ignited the heat action within thefurnace 31, may be observed through the sight ports 37 located in thefront-walhthereof, and the temperature indicated by the pyrometer 38,located in a central position on the 'furnac'e where the thermal couplemay extend into the body of the generated heat within the enclosure.

For the preservation of the heat endurthe jets 28, are arranged to enterthe ports in the walls of the furnace-at a tangent whereby a circulatingheat may be distributed about the exterior walls of the chamber 9, asindicated in Fig. 4, instead of the jets being projected directly atlocal parts of sible destruction in a short time.

This form of intense heater is especially adapted for Working in the oiland gas regions where the cost of natural gas is very low or the gasmanufactured in gas producer plants and fuel oil cheap gas is notobtainable then the form of heater may be changed to conform to theavailable fuel or means of heat generation to carry on the process inthis apparatus.

The oil containing and cracking chamber 9, may be constructed of variousheat enduring metals, alloys, carbons, graphites, graphitic carbon andother materials known to withstand a constant and varying temperature,but for the temperatures and super-atmospheric pressures employed insuccessfully carrying on my process in this form of apparatus, the coldor'hot drawn seamless steel tubing having a small percentage of nickelhas proven to be the best for this purpose and to have the greatestenduring qualities when brought to a high or cracking temperature b theapplication of external heat to it while containing oil.

This intense externally applied heat aifects'the contained oil in such amanner as to very effectually convert the same and is thus adapted toassist in a step of primary importance as a means in carrying on myprocess in this apparatus.

It may here be stated that when operating upon certain classes of oils,that is the more volatile oils and oily spirits, it is highly desirableto localize the application spread, so to speak, of the heat in alowerdegree of intensity through the mass than'is necessary-to efiicientlycrack-the oil, but of a suflicient intensity to cause an evaporation ofundue amounts of the oil at a distance from the intensely heated wallsof the cracking chamber without bringing about a transformation.

To this end, in the embodiment of the apparatus shown by Fig. 2, I haveprovided a cylindrical core or sheath 39, of a size de- This core 39, issupported by the rods 41 and t2, the whole forming a shaft which by.ilt) the cracking chamber 9, with chances ofposis inexpensive; or whereI of the external heat ,so as to prevent the g are means of a bearing.in plate 24, at the bottom of heavy bottoms chamber 30, and a packedhearing or gland in the vapor dome cap 11, may be caused to revolvewhen'the gears43 and 44,arranged above the crown of the .vapor dome 10,are operated by power. a

A helical collar or worm 45, ofmetal or other suitable material isattached to the periphery of the core 39, but in such a manner as not todirectly engage the interior surfaces of the cracking chamber 9. Thiscore cylinder and collar, when revolving, agitates the oil containedwithin the cracking chamber 9, and causes it to be thrown into more orless close proximity to the intensely heated walls of the chamber forthe purpose of cracking, splitting the molecules of or re-arranging theseries andotherwise converting all or as much of the original oil as maybe possible during chamber. I

The helical collar 45 has another very important function in preventingan accumulation of particles of carbon, scales and coke which may adhereto or be deposited upon the interior surfaces or walls of the crackingchamber 9 during the cracking-operation.

In this respect, the helical collar 45 acts as a scraper to positivelyremove the carbon and other matters from the converter walls whereuponit is permitted to settle or gravitate out of the heating zone and intothe relatively cool bottoms, which it may be drawn off through the pipe22 as desired. In this way an excessive aecumulation of carbon on isprevented thereby avoiding the building up of a heat insulating coatingwhich soon results in burning out the converter wall.

Moreover, the removal of the carbon prevents a progressive accumulationwhich would tend gradually to choke the system and finally to clog it tosuch an extent as to interrupt the operation. The helical collar tenseheat which will be 'ried on continuously.

placed by fresh quantities of or scrape-r, therefore, performs a highlyimwhich permits the a paratus to be operated and the process to ecar-From this it will be understood that when ever the fluid to beconvertedis admitted to the chamber 9, and. containing vessel 10, andbrought to the proper and safe level, as indicated by the dotted linegX--X, in the dome 10, and also indicated in the glass gauges 19 and 21,it is in a position to be opthe externally applied 1nmaintained withinthe retort 31, and in close relation to the original oil through thewallsof the cracking chamber 9, and which, when evolved as vapors, willbe constantly and uniformly reuntreated and In other words,'the oilerated upon by non-converted oil the accelerated movements within andpassage through the .made fast so that they occupy a chamber 30 from"converter walls.

contained within the channel between the core 39, and chamber 9, will beheld in place by the head weight of oil contained in the lower part ofvapor dome 10, in addition to the super-atmospheric vapor pressuresmaintained over the surface of oil, thus preventing the intense heatfrom too rapidly volatilizing the small amount of oil in this channeland driving it away from the intensely heated walls of the chamber whereit is to be broken up or converted into oils having lower specificgravities and boiling points.

The action of the heat is extremely violent, causing the cracked oil tobecome immediately vaporized and the uprising of this vapor brings abouta furious local agitation within the cracking chamber 9, and thecontained oil.

In order to prevent excessive agitation and cracking as known in thepresent methods of fractional distillation by particles of oil beingprojected above the body of fluid in liquid and vapor dome 10, andallowing them to drop back again into the heated mass and therebycausing a deteriorating re-action, perforated battle plates 46 and/l7,are located on the rod or shaft and position within the body of oil, asshown in Figs. 2and 3.

It may also be mentioned that owing to the excessive quantity ofheat,,and owing also to the fact that much of the heat will radiate at adiminished temperature into surrounding portions ;of the oil moredistant from the intensely heated walls of the cracking chamber 9,considerable oil may and will be volatilized without undergoinconversion, just as illuminating oils an naphthas are boiled andvaporized without essential conversion in the ordinary process eundesirable the cracking chamucts having lower boiling points and specific gravities.

Thus, the complex mixture of oils known commercially as distillates ofhenzine, kerosene,gas and fuel oils, also coal tar oils, may be changedor transformed by means of this apparatus into a mixture of lighter oilsand oily spirits which bear a general resemblance to and have theproperties of that which is known as illuminating oil,

- of which they are in manor? naphtha, gasolene, benzol, toluol andother low boiling products of the hydro-carbon group. I

lit may be mentioned also that during this operation, the raw,non-converted oils will be relieved of more or' less of the carbon partcomposed, as well as some of the foreign substances which it may bedesirable to eliminate. This, of course, alters their chemical characterand converts them from nets of the hydro-carbon series into those oflower speclfic gravity and possible different character. The carbonwhich is removed in thismanner will be in part deposited upon the hotwalls of the cracking chamber 9, and in part precipitated in theadjacent 'oil, being to some extent held in suspension and to someextent gravitatrng through the oil toward the heavy bottoms chamber 30,provided for itsaccumulation, and from which it may be withdrawn throughthe pipe 22.

Inasmuch as the precis'edegree of temperature at which the walls of thecracking chamber 9, should be maintained'in practice, will largelydepend upon and be varied with particular conditions, such as thecomposition of the raw oil to be converted, it will be suflicient' tostate that the tempera ture will vary from a heat in excess of thatrequired to merely volatilize the oil held under super-atmospheric vaporpressure to that of sufiicient intensity to crack and transform theheaviest molecules of an oil subjected to my cracking process referredto in this apparatus, according to the nature of the fluid to betreated.

For practical purposes, however, when treating suchoils as kerosenedistillates, gas

oil and other non-viscous oils a temperature iii) ranging from 600 to1000 F. would, under super-atmospheric vapor pressures not exceeding 200pounds to the square inch, bring about the desired transformation of anoriginal high boiling oil into lower boiling products. on operating inthis manner it has been observed that apparent] only a certain parto'f'the fluid ultiniate y evaporated comes in direct or close contactwith the intensel heated walls of the cracking chamber 9, or the reasonthat the condition ot'the heat is suficient to evaporate a cer-' h tamsomewhat remote ortion of the oil at a lower temperature t an isrequired for cracking the oil. Accordin passing into the dome 10, wi Ibe not only of the oil which has breaking up of its molecules and of apart of its carbon by the high converting heat, but will also contain acertain portion of unchanged original oil in the form of vapor.

These mixed rapidly owing to composed sufiered a deposition vapors areevolved very the intense temperature of one or more of the prodly, thevapons mg apparatus JD,

ghe' cracking chamber 9, and consequently care should be exercised to'keep'the .oil line in the dome'10, at the proper mark in the glasssight gauges and not permit it to'fall below or approach a line whichborders on or approaches near to -the intensely heated walls of thecracking chamber and which might be followed purposes; a

Th mixed vapors pass from the dome 10, into vapor discharge pipe as, andthence through pipe 49, to a vapor trap 50, of the liquid and vaportrapping system C, in which abaflle plate 51, is arranged in such amanner as to ma c it necessary for the light vapors to descend nearly tothe bot tom of the/trap on one side of the plate and rise again on theother before they can escape through the gooseneck 40, to the condensingapparatus D.

Vapors not light enough to rise in pipe 49, are condensed then conductedto a liquid by searing or burning the oil or discoloring it forcommercial trap 52, through the pipe 53, and in like manner vapors notlight enough to rise in the vapor trap 50, after descending along thebattle plate 51, fall to the bottom of trap 50, and the condensate isled through pipe 54, into the receiving tank 55, of overflow liquidcollecting apparatus l, which latter is provided with glass sight gauges56, and a pressure gau cot, and from-which the liquid oil may ewithdrawnand returned tothe supply tank 1, by means of the suc tron pump58, of apparatus G, and the pipe 59 controlled by valve 60. lBy meansofthe pump operating mechan sm 61, the oil is conveyed through returnpipe 62, in which the check valve 63, is located to relieve the backpressure on the pump, and finally the oil is admitted through Lthe topof tank 1, asithe original oil was let in through pipe 2.

The lighter mixed trap 50, through the a suitable condenser mersed inwater in tank 65, forming a part of the condensing apparatus D, ofFig. 1. This apparatus is provided with a cold water supply pipe 66, andap overflow pipe 67, whereby a continuous flow of cold water canbemaintained within the tank 65,-for

vapors passirom the gooseneck 40, and into t e purpose ot-bringing abouta complete condensation of vapors passing through the coils of pipe 64%.Since some of the vaporized original unconverted oil ma reaching the conensing apparatusll), ll prefer to connect the bottom of pipe 53, withthe liquid trap52, so that condensate may be led through per end ofwhich is'in turn connected with pipe 68, into pipe 54, the upcoil orpipe 6d, im-

tend tocondensebefore the bottom of vapor trap 50, so that allcondensate not accumulated through condensmay be returned to tank 1,

tained in into lighter to'fractional distillationor other operations tomore or less completely segregate its comafter it is collected inreceiving tank 55, of apparatus F. In this manner the alreadycondensedunconverted oil may be passed into the cracking chamber 9, again,without first being mixed with and separated from the convertedcondensed oils in apparatus 1), by a fractional distillation method.

After passing through the coilcondenser and cooling tank apparatus D,the fluid oil passes through pipe 69, E, of which tank 70, provided withglass gauges 71, is the container and from which it can be withdrawn bymeans of pipe 72 ,j controlled by valve 73, as shown in Fig. 1,; Theupper part of this reservoir 70, is pro-v vided with a pressure gauge74:, and a as aive off in va orous form flows out through pipe outletpipe 75, controlled by a needle v so that the vapor pressures 111 thesystem:

may be accurately controlled in order to keep a predetermineduniformvapor pressure in the system during the process in this apparatus.

For the treatment of certain oils it is-necessary to maintain asuper-atmospheric vapor pressure of one or more atmospheres in theapparatus from the source of supply through to the end of or beyond thecondenser in conjunction with the other features of my invention, forthereby I am enabled to retard to a certain extent the over-productionof vapors andthe volatilization of oil that must necessarily be heldback and in check within the cracking chamber 9, until as much of thecracking operation can be performed on the contained fluid as experienceand practice warrants. Furthermore, the vapor compression in connectionwith the treatment of certain oils will promote uniformity and certaintyin thesatisfactory operation of the apparatus and, therefore, thecompression in addition to normal atmosphere pressure becomes animportant feature in the operation of this apparatus for oiltransformation.

Thus, from practical experience, it has been found that asuper-atmospheric vapor pressure maintained over a body of oil contheconverter retards the vigorous volatilization of the lighter vapors in"a desirable manner, assists in the conversion of oil and renders a moreuniform flow of product therefrom. On the other hand a greater vaporpressure maintained over a body of oil contained within the converterand throiighout the system from the source of supply to the endof'orbeyond the condenser when treating and converting high boiling oilshelps materially in the process of conversion in this apparatus.

The composite oil withdrawn from tank 70, may either be returned to theconverter in order to still further convert the same roducts, or it maybe subjected into the apparatus cracking chamber 9, and for this purpose1ntake pipes 13 and 15, are provided. When fluid is admitted through thelower part of apparatus B, valve 14 in pipe 13, and valve 77 in pipe 76,

the lower part of the converter. By the continuous method of supply anddischarge, the unconverted oil which has not been driven and valve 77 inpipe 76, is opened. The

head weightand pressure on the oil in the lower part of vapor dome 10,causes the oil to flow down through crackin chamber 9, and out throughpipe 76. ft is then forced up through the pipe 76, (Figs. 1 and isclosed. Valve 16 in pipe 15, v and valve 79 in pipe 78, is openedthereby allowing the oil to flow through pipe 15, into 2) and over intoliquid trap 52, and flows out through pipe 68, into pipe 54, from whichit is'discharged into tank 55.

For the purpose of determining the proper speed at which the oil shouldflow through converter B, a pyrometer 80, is located near the lowerexternal part of the liquid and vapor dome 10, so that when the properspeed of flow has been established this pyrometer will register auniform temperature in the oil when it is passing through the convertingchamber 9, in an upwardly direction.

For the purpose of maintaining a positive feed of continuousl flowingoil from supply tank 1, through t e preheater H, into the converter B, apump 17, is interposed in the piping system and byclosing valve 5, inpipe 4 and opening valve 82, in pipe 81, and operating this pump aconstant and positive flow of oil will be assured to the converter.

In: order to be informed of the temperature of oil being fed from thepreheater H, into the converter B, a thermometer is located in the pipe12, leading out from the top of the heater, and in pipe 49, leading outfrom the top of the converter B, another thermometer is locatedfso thattemperatures of the converted oily vapors may be known.

An emergency gas outlet is provided in the pipe 69, leading 'from thefoot of the i by valve 83.

little used since the more eflicient and better illustrated. In Fig.

7 Leaner?- condensing apparatusD, and i controlled Such valve, however,is but located pipe and control valve 75, on the top of tank 70, willanswer about every purpose for properly regulating vapor pressureswithin the system.

In Fig. 2, an enlarged sectional elevation of the converter is featuresof the various parts are clearly 3, a somewhat similar view is shown ofa converter where a larger liquid and vapor dome isemployed havingoverflow pipes 84 located at the lower part of the dome through whichoverflow hot unconverted oil may pass into trap tank 52, through pipe85. A substantially constant oil level is thereby maintained. I

In this form of converter oil is supplied through the lower pipe 15only. The converted vapors pass off from the top of dome 10, throughpipe 48, to the condenser while partly or wholly unconverted oils willoverflow the pipes 84, and can be returned to the supply tank. 1,'forre-treatment as before.

A number otpipes 84, arranged at the bottom of' 'dome 10, willfacilitate the rise and escape of light vapors which may not have hadtime to separate from the oil at the surface level XX, due toitscontinuous and more or less rapid flow through the converter.

In Fig. 5, the same principle of vertical tubes and externally appliedheat is carried out in this multi-tubular converter in which thechambers 9, are enclosed within the furnace 31. This form of furnace isprovided with a combustion chamber 86, into which the elements ofcombustion are projected by means of burners or jets 87, which elements,as they ignite and expand, are deflected by the bridge wall 88, beforeentering the larger furnace 31, through port 89. The waste heat andspent gases from furnace 31 pass out through port 90, into stack 33, andin their passage, such heat is employed to preheat incomingoil throughpipe t, in the coils 8, before being delivered into the upper part ofheavy bottoms chamber 30.

,Asdescribed in the reference to Fig. 1,

the oil becoming converted in the tubes 9,

rise and the light transformed vapors thererom escape from the and vapordome 10, through pipes 48 and 49,

to the condenser D, while'the heavierpartly treatment together or whollyunconverted oils overflow the pipes 84, at .a fixed level and flowthrough they are trapped to tank 1, for rewith fresh oil.

In Fig. 6, a modified upper part of the converter and dome are shownwhere the upper ends of the chambers 9, take into a header 91,- fromwhich the oil and. vapors in tank 55, and returned well 94, and is ledout shown and the described system composed of upper part of liquid partof this dome 10, and the oil flowing up the fixed and down cavity orthrough pipe85, to the liquid trap 55, to be in turn re-treated.

The object of this improved dome is to facilitate the better separationof converted vapors from unconverted oils and which vapor may risethrough the stand pipes 84, as the liquid overflowsand escapes throughthrough neck pipe 92, rises to height ofthe stand pipes 84, over throughwhich it flows into the pipe 48, to the condenser where, under the.

vapor pressures in excess of atmospheric pressure, the condensablevapors are reduced to condensate or distillates of converted oils. A manhole plate 95, can be attached to the top of this dome 10, so thataccess can be had to the interior of such dome, when necessary.

The above specifically described apparatus may, of course, be modifiedgreatly and yet be well within the scope of'a co-related parts adaptedto carry out one or more of the essential closely related steps of myprocess.

llt is apparent that I have succeeded in devising an apparatus admirablyadapted for carrying out my new method of commercially enhancing thequalit quantity and value of the more abundant y available oils and thatthe character of the apparatus and of the process which it isinstrumental in carryin out are both withintheusual manipulatlve skillof those employed in' this art. As many changes could, be made in theabove construction and many apparently widely different embodiments ofthis invention could be made without departin from the scope thereof, itis intended that all matter contained in the above description or shownin the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative andnot in a limited sense.

It is also to be understood that the language used in the followingclaims is'intended to cover all of the generic and specific features ofthe invention herein described and all statements of the scope of theinvention which, as a matter of langua e, might be said tofalLtherebetween.

aving described my invention, what ll claim as new and desire to secureby Letters Patent is:

Claims-- i 1. In a device of the class described the combinatiton of anelongated vertical chamber adapted to contain oil and vapors underpressure, means for supplying oil to said chamber, means for externallyheating said chamber above its bottom and below its top, means forremoving carbon'from said chember below the heating zone, means forremoving vapors and unconverted oil from said chamber above the heatingzone, means for maintaining self-imposed vapor pressure in said chamber,and means for condensing the vapors. I

2. In a'devi'ce of the class described the combination of an elongatedvertical chamber adapted to contain oil and vapors under pressure, meanschamber means for externally heating said chamber above its bottom andbelow its top, means for removing carbon from said chamber below theheating zone, means for separately removing vapors and unconvertedoilfrom said chamber above the heating zone, means for maintaininself-imposed vapor pressure in said chamIwr, rotary, mechanical means insaid chamber for preventingthe caking of carbon on the hot surfaces ofsaid heating zone. a

'3. In a device of the class described the combination of an elongatedvertical chamchamber, rotary mechanical means pors and means ber adaptedto contain oil and vapors under pressure, means for supplying oil tosaid chamber, means for externally heating said chamber above its bottomand below its top, means for removing carbon from said chamber below theheating zone, means for main taining self-imposed vapor pressure in saidin said chamber for preventing the caking of carbon on the hot surfacesof said heating zone, means for separately removing'vapors andunconverted material from said chamber above the heating zone, means forseparating the converted for' returning the unc0n-' verted material tosaid chamber for" retreat,- ment.

4. In a device of the class described the combination of areceptacleadapted to contain a body of oil and vapors under self imposedpressure'including an enlarged: dome or chamber and a portion orrestricted cross-section leading to said. chamber, means forcontinuously forcingoil through said restricted portion to said chamber,means for exteriorly heating said oil in said restricted portion to acracking temperature, means for removing carbon generated in said heatedportion out of the heated zone, and means for drawingo'ffand condensingthe vapors in said dome.

5. In a device of the. class. described the combination of an elongatedvertical chamber adapted to contain oil and vapors under pressure, meansfor externally heating said chamber above the bottom I at below t e topto a cracking temperature, means for 0on tinuously supplying. oil underpressure to said chamber, rotary means extending from the top down tosaid heatingzone to prevent collection of carbon, means for separatelyremoving vapors and unconverted oil from the upper portion of saidchamber, and

for supplying oil to said drawing from the unconverted'vavapor pressureto be built up a substantially. vertical tubular cracking chamber, ahigh temperature furnace capable of withstanding protracted elevatedcracking heats surrounding the-ends of saidtubular chamber extendingthrough the top and bottom of said furnace, a carbon and residue chamberat the lower end of said chamber below the furnace, a liquid and 'vaporcollecting and separating drum connected to the upper end of saidchamber, a condenserand a collecting trap tank in open connection withsaid drum; means for forcing oil from said supply tank into saidcracking chamber against a back pressure of vapors therein, means forwithartly or wholly unconverted oil from said drum and returning it tosaid oil supply tank, and means for maintaining self generated vaporpressure throughout the system from the source of supply through to theend of or beyond the condenser.

' 7. Apparatusfor convertin high boiling hydrocarbons into lower boilinghydrocar bon's, which comprises a furnace for subjecting the oil tocracking temperature, a vertica at the top and below the furnace at thebottom, means for removing solid matter from converter extending abovethe furnacethe converter, a-condenser connected to the converter abovethe heated zone,- and means for closing the system beyondthe condenserjecting the oil to crackingtemper'ature, a

.vertical converter extending above the fur nace at the top. and belowthe furnace at-the bottom,-a removable bottom therefor, means formaintaining liquid hydrocarbons in the converter above the heated zone,a condenser" connected to the converter above the heated zone, and meansfor closing the system beyond the condenser to permit self-imposedtherein.-

high boiling 9. Apparatus forconvertin ing hydrocarhydrocarbons" intolower boi bons, which comprises a furnace for. subjecting' the ,oil tocracking temperature, a vertical converter extending above the furtopermit self-imposed vapor pressure to be nace at the top and below thefurnace at the bottom, means for maintaining liquid hydrocarbons in theconverter above the heated zone, a condenser connected to the converterabove the heated zone, means forclosing the system beyond the condenser,to permit selfimposed vaporpressure' to be bui is up there- Lean-e17 in,and means for removing solid matter from the relatively cool bottom ofthe chamber.

10. In apparatus for converting high boiling hydrocarbon oil into ucts,the combination of a converter, means for continuouslypassing oil inliquid form to, through and out ofsaid converter, and a furnaceenveloping the converter above its lower end for externally heating theoil therein to a cracking temperature under super-atmosphericself-imposed vapor pres sure whereby a portion of the oil is cracked. intransit, the lower end of said chamber being adapted to receive carbonproduced during the cracking process.

11. In apparatus for converting high boiling hydrocarbon oil into lowerboiling products, the combination of a; converter, means forcontinuously passlng o1l 1n liquid form into said converter, means fordischarging liquid oil therefrom at a predetermined height whereby acontant oil level is maintained therein, and afurnace enveloping theconverter above its lower end for heating oil therein to a crackingtemperature under super-atmospheric self-imposed vapor pressure to'elfect conversion of the oil in transit through the converter.

12. In apparatus for converting high boiling hydrocarbon oil into lowerboiling prod ucts, the combination of a converter, an

outlet discharge pipe therefor located at apredetermined heightimmediate its ends, an inlet pipe communicating with said converter,means for continuously passing liquidoil through said inlet" pipe intosaid converter and, in serving in conjunction with said outlet pipe tomaintain a substantially constant oil level therein, a furnacesurrounding said' converter above its lower end for externally applyingcracking heat under super-atmospheric self-imposed vapor pressure to theoil therein,'and means for returning to said converter for retreatmentthe liquid oil discharged therefrom.

13. In apparatus ing hydrocarbon oil into lower boiling products, thecombination of a converter.

maintained at a cracking temperature and under super-atmosphericself-imposed vapor pressure, means for supplying oil to said converter,means for withdrawing the evolved vapors, positive means for preventingthe accumulation of carbon on the walls of the converter in the heatingzone, and means disposed below the heating zone for receiving the carbongravitating therein and means for permitting the removal of solid mattertherefrom.

14. In apparatus for converting high boiling hydrocarbon oil into lowerboiling products, the combination of a converter, means for supplyingoil thereto, means for heatlower boiling prod-'- for converting highboils. I

means for'withdrawing the evolved vapors,

means for scraping the walls of the converter in the heating zonetoremove carbon deposited thereon during the cracking process, andpermitting the removed carbon to gravitate into the lower and relativelycool end of the converter below heating zone, and means for withdrawingthe residue including the carbon from the lower end of the converter.

15. ln apparatus for converting high boiling hydrocarbon oil into lowerbolling products, the combination of a vertical converter, means forsupplying oil continuously thereto, means forheating the oil in theconverter to a crackin temperature under super-atmospheric seliimposedvapor pressure whereby the oil is converted, means for withdrawing theevolved vapors, continuously rotatable means for scraping ofi' thecarbon deposited on the walls of the converter during the crackingprocess and permitting it to gravitate out of the heating zone, achamber below the heating zone for receiving'the gravitated carbon andother residue, and means for removing the same therefrom.

16. In apparatus for converting high boiling hydrocarbon oil into lowerboiling products, the combination of a converter, means for continuouslysupplying oil thereto, a furnace enveloping the converter intermediateits ends for heating the oil therein to a cracking temperature undersuper-atmospheric self-imposed vapor pressure, a

rotatable scraping device in proximity to the walls of the converter inthe heating zone for preventing the accumulationjof carbon thereonduring the cracking process and permitting it to continuously gravitateout of the heating zone and into the relatively cool lower end of theconverter and means -for permitting its removal as desired.

17. In apparatus for converting high boiling hydrocarbon oil into lowerboiling products, the-combination of a converter maintained above itslower end at a cracking temperature and under supenatmosphericself-imposed vapor pressure,

means forcontinuously supplying oil thereto and maintaining asubstantially constant oil level therein, means for withdrawing theevolved vapors from the vapor space above the oil level, means forcontinuously and positively removing the carbon deposited on, the wallsof the converter in the heating zone and permitting it to gravitate intothe lower end of the converter, and removable bottom for efiecting itswithdrawal.

.18. In apparatus for converting high boiling hydrocarbon oil into lowerboiling products, the combination of a converter, means for continuouslysupplying oil thereto and maintaining a liquid body of oil therein,means surrounding said converter intermediate its ends'for heating theconverter to cracking temperature under super-atmos-; pheric.self-imposed vapor pressure whereby the oil is converted, meansdisposedin a relatively cool jrcgion for receiving carbon produced during thecracking process, and means associated with said carbon receiving meansfor efiecting its removal therefrom.

19. In apparatus for converting high boiling hydrocarbon oil intolower'boiling products, the combination of a converter maintained at acracking temperature and under super-atmospheric self-imposed vaporpressure, means for continuously supplying oil thereto and maintaining aliquid body of oil therein, means for continuously rem0v; ing thecarbondeposited on the walls of the converter during the cracking-process,means for'receiving the removed carbon, and means for withdrawing theresidue from said receiving means. A

20. In apparatus for converting high boiling hydrocarbon oil into lowerboiling products, the combination of a-converter, a fur-,

nace surrounding the converter intermediate its ends for externallyapplying a cracking temperature to the oil therein while inaintainingtheoil under super-atmospheric selfimposed vapor pressure, means forcontinuously supplying oil thereto and maintain ing a liquid level abovethe heating zone,

means below the heating zone for collecting the carbon produced by thecracking process, and means above the heating zone for separatelyconveying away verted oil andthe converted vapors.

21. In apparatus for converting high. boiling hydrocarbon oil into lowerboiling products, the combination with an enclosed vertical crackingchamber adapted to contain a therefrom the uncon body of oil to beconverted, means for continuously supplying oil to the lower portion ofthe body of oil in said chamber and to maintain .a substantiallyconstant level therein, means for removing unconverted liquid oil at theliquid level, means for externally heating said chamber intermediate itsends and below the liquid level to a crack ing temperature, a condenserhaving free and open communication with the vapor space of said chamberabove the liquid level. means for closing the system beyond thecondenser to, permit self-imposed pressures to build up therein, andmeans including a scraping device for separating out the carbon producedin the chamber during the crackin operation by scraping carbonfrom thewa ls of the chamber as it is deposited thereon and allowing ,it togravitate below the cracking zone and'be removed.

22. Apparatus ing high boiling hydrocarbonoil into lower boilingproducts that comprises a vertical cracking chamber, maintained undersuperatmospheric self-imposed vapor pressure, a furnace surrounding thechamber intermediate its ends for heating the oil in the heating zone toa for continuously supplying-an oil distillate thereto and maintaining abody of oil throughout the length of the heating zone, means for takingofi the evolved vapors from the vapor space above, the heating zone, andmeans for positively removing the carbon deposited upon the walls of thechamber within the heatingzone and allowing it to gravitate and collectin the'lower end of the chamber below the heating zone.

In testimony whereof I afiixmy signature in the presence of twowitnesses.

for continuously convertcracking temperature, means JOSEPH H. ADAMS. a

i Witnesses: A. CAPSTICK, Joan S. on SELDING.

